Let’s face it — we as Fijians love to criticise the police.
Whether it’s over delays, disagreements on how cases are handled, or occasional stories of wrongdoing, it seems we always find something to complain about.
And yes, holding officers accountable is necessary.
But so often, that criticism drowns out the quiet, but serious, efforts made every day by the many good people in uniform.
This year, especially, the Fiji Police Force has shown real commitment and results in two critical areas: fighting drug crime and cracking down on online scams.
Of course, the police force isn’t perfect.
Like any organisation, it has had missteps. Accountability matters — and when mistakes happen, they must be addressed.
But that doesn’t mean we should ignore the honest work being done by the majority of its officers.
Many are overworked, under pressure, and dealing with risks we rarely consider. Yet they clock in early, face danger head-on, and do so without expecting applause.
Our communities rely on them — even if we don’t always realise it.
Crime has increasingly moved online, and Fiji hasn’t been spared. Scammers have targeted Fijians through fake Facebook business pages, rental and job scams, and phishing links — often netting thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims.
This year, Fiji’s Cybercrime Unit has taken a stand. Multiple scammers have been arrested and charged. One woman used hacked social media links to steal over $3,200 from a victim. Another person advertised fake rental cars, collecting payments from hopeful renters.
These offenders were identified, pursued, and brought to justice.
But it’s not just arrests. The Police have launched awareness campaigns warning citizens about suspicious links and cloned pages.
They’ve shown how to verify deals online and encouraged reporting of questionable ads. This kind of public outreach may not make big headlines, but it makes a real difference, helping everyday people stay safe in an online world that too often looks harmless.
Drug enforcement has also been a focus this year. Police operations have hit hard — from Kinoya to Lautoka, Levuka to Tavua — uncovering marijuana gardens, hidden caches, and dealers across the country.
Airport intercepts have been especially impressive. In one high-profile case, over four kilograms of methamphetamine were found at Nadi International Airport. Credit goes to the Customs team, K9 units, and police intelligence. That kind of success isn’t luck — it’s smart planning, surveillance, and the courage of the officers involved.
Every drug seizure and arrest means fewer harmful substances in our communities, fewer families broken, and fewer young lives derailed by addiction.
Fiji Police aren’t just making strides at home — they’re also making their mark on the world stage. This year, ten Fijian police officers completed a region-first United Nations peacekeeping training course in Brisbane, alongside officers from eleven Pacific Island nations. Fiji has also led an entire UN police training series tailored specifically for Pacific nations, delivering it in-country with support from the Australian Federal Police, Canada, the U.S., France, and Samoa.
This isn’t a token gesture. Fiji has pledged to contribute up to fifty individual police officers — half of whom will be women — to missions worldwide, bringing expertise in investigations, forensics, and riverine policing.
These officers will serve in hotspots across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
That global role matters. It brings vital skills back home — advanced training, experience in crisis settings, and leadership growth. It’s proof that Fiji Police are not just local guardians — they are respected worldwide.
In some countries, police are feared or deeply mistrusted. That’s not the case here, and we mustn’t take this for granted. Yes, we must remain vigilant and continue to demand accountability. However, let’s also remember that most officers wake up every day to protect us, often doing thankless work.
A friendly nod, a kind word, or simply giving thanks when you see good police work — that matters. It helps build the trust needed for community safety. It sends a message that good deeds aren’t overlooked.
Criticism might be louder, but real change happens when we notice the quiet wins. And lately, there’ve been many.
From stopping drug smugglers at the airport to disrupting cyber scams and training and serving overseas, the Fiji Police Force has demonstrated how to lead with integrity and adapt to modern threats.
So next time you see an officer — whether they’re directing traffic, visiting a school, or just patrolling — pause and remember: they’re doing their job, protecting your home and your peace of mind. And lately, their work has been nothing short of impressive.
Until next week, take care and be safe!
ARNOLD CHANEL is an investor and business executive with years of tech expertise. He can be contacted on ceo@vanguardtech.pro. The views expressed in this article are his and not of this newspaper
